Why I Traded in my Bernina 770QE! 

Have you ever bought ex-display? How did it work out for you?

Hi, Thank you, I am so appreciative that you made this video about 770 Bernina. I think your experience is definitely worth sharing and others have also felt your pain. I do have experience sewing on Berninas for over 50 years... from the 830 Record to the 440 QE to the 790, but I have also owned and sewn on other machines. I also worked for several years in the tech industry as a software project manager, software product advisor, and software user trainer Here are my thoughts for whatever they are worth: 1. YOU ARE BUYING A COMPUTER THAT SEWS, AND NOT A SEWING MACHINE THAT IS COMPUTERIZED, ALTHOUGH THEY SELL IT LIKE THAT SO AS NOT TO SCARE EVERYONE. 2. Know what kind of sewist or seamstress you are...what are you going to sew and how are you going to use the machine, before any purchase. You would not buy a convertible and use it like a pickup truck. I do not do embroidery, nor do I have any desire to make fancy stitches on anything and if I do I will embroider by hand. Furthermore, I can and have sewn my own clothing in the past, but today I only mend, and tailor our clothes. Sometimes, I make a garment, but rarely, and I make simple projects for the home. All of the software and mechanisms that go along with the Embroidery Module, just make the machine more complicated, more confusing to learn and present more reasons for the machine to malfunction). So if you are only going to piece and machine quilt, why buy a more complicated more expensive model with features you don't need? 3. Even if you are familiar with computers and software, you should probably get some user training in order to understand how to make your new computerized machine work for you. If you are in doubt, go to the dealer and ask for someone to allow you to sew on a computerized machine before buying it or take a class using one of the machines they have for rent or use at the sewing dealership. I advise you to take your own project to work on. Most shops will be happy to let you test drive if they know you are seriously looking for a new machine. 4. Understand that software when it is developed, even though it is tested thoroughly, beforehand is often released to the consumer with "bugs", sometimes even when the developer knows about them. This is normal practice for software in all modern products and in all industries, so just like anything else, sometimes it's best to wait and NOT buy the newest model with all the new features until they "get all the bugs worked out" and release the fixes and updates to the software. This the manufacturer will never tell you directly, and probably most dealers only vaguely understand this fact of life in the computer age. Just hope that your service person does! Getting all the parts to communicate and work together is not always a straight forward path and designers often have to make compromises in their computer "architecture" until somebody figures out a program or design feature that will make sure it all fits together and runs smoothly. I don't want to get too complicated or use a bunch of jargon, but want to let you know that some software/machine combinations and designs are more "user friendly"(meaning easy and intuitive for you to use and make it do what you want it to do) than other brands of machine and software. The software developers don't always know which tools and components ( both software and mechanical) are going to work well together in the future, even if they work together well now. Thus, as with your computer, software and the machines themselves can become outdated and all of us have computers, phones, printers, etc that are no more than novelties so obsolete as to be displayed in a museum. That is also why manufacturers will discontinue certain models, which is the responsible thing to do if they can predict that the machine does not have the ability to run the new software that they are going to develop. Computers becoming obsolete is nobody's fault and is true for every computerized machine in every industry because we live on the cutting edge of the computer age and companies are racing to keep up with consumer demand. Add that to the challenge manufacturers have with always trying to make a machine that serves your needs/wants, and is also affordable for you to purchase and for them to manufacture. 6. Having said all of that, things are beginning to slow down a bit with demands and just like my 7 yr old phone,I think that all the sewing machine manufacturers nowadays have designed computerized machines that are for the most part "bug-free" and perform pretty well. So now they will be concentrating mostly on smoothing out any cumbersome, less "user friendly" components to make them easier to use if need be, so don't be afraid to buy A COMPUTER THAT SEWS, because whether or not it is a Bernina, in my case, and also for many of my friends and fellow sewists, once you master the learning curve, you will be sewing quilts and other projects faster and better than before, (depending on your type of projects). 7. In closing some parting thoughts, if there is an advantage to buying Bernina, it would be that they have a long-standing reputation to protect, when other reliable European manufacturers like Elna, Husquavarna, Viking, even Pfaff have been purchased by other companies; some are made in China. Bernina is the only family-owned Manufacturer, though many of their machines are made in Bernina-owned and run factories in Thailand. Bernina seems to have been able to adapt their sewing machines to serve the consumer well over the years and is the reason for their unprecedented consumer loyalty. Bernina machines are the only machines that still use an all-steel front-loading bobbin system, like industrial machines and many 50 yr old machines are still running efficiently as parts can still be found. 8. Bernina's are expensive, they are in the same price range as a new computer with printer for all the reasons I just mentioned above. If you are going to mostly piece quilt tops and make table runners etc., you could opt to just send them to your long-arm quilter. For example, depending on her costs, I figure I can have my long-armer machine quilt 10 queen-sized bed quilts per year for the next 5 years, which costs me between $5,000 and 5,750 (minus shipping). That's 50 quilts quilted by someone else for about the same money as the 770 at today's prices. (Truly, I only seem to be completing about 5 queen quilts per year or the equivalent in other projects thereof.) That's one way of thinking about the cost of a machine that has a BSR and Dual feed and other features (minus all the add-ons, lessons, thread, batting, etc that I would need to quilt my own quilts). Weighing the costs and the time spent quilting my own quilts against spending the majority of my time on what I love to do, mainly designing and piecing quilts, helped me to decide what to buy, because most of what I want to sew can be done on a reliable non-computerized machine. Then I weighed that against the costs of a long-arm machine and knowing that the only way I can make sense of buying one is to make it a business....but that's a whole nother discussion. Hope any of that helps you decide about purchases. Figure out how you will use your machine, think it through, go test drive all of the machines that might work for you, in your price range, which also include exemplary user support nearby, then decide. Happy Sewing and Good Luck to you all!

This string of comments is very educational. Owned a Bernina 153 QE Virtuoso. Twenty-three years a work horse, zero issues, heavy quilting. Loved that machine. The S-board died and couldn’t get replacement. I knew about ALL the problems with the 770 before going to see my dealer, but was assured the B535 is a good machine. I’m six months in and persistent issues. Now feel the more bells & whistles, the more issues. Thanks for the post.

Don’t second guess yourself, I had the exact same problems. And I bought mine brand new, with new machine smell and everything. I was livid that I had to bring the machine in after one month, I was told that the snagging bobbin was due to a burr on one of the metal pieces that needed to be honed down. The burr was so small, you couldn’t see it. I have 50 years of sewing experience, and this was a real splurge for me. A retirement present to myself. I thought because it was Swiss, that it would be precise like a Swiss watch. But it was and is very finicky. I just don’t have the money to do a trade, so I am just working at half my normal speed, just dealing with various errors, etc. in this case, the emperor really has no clothes. Good luck with your new machine. I hope it brings you much happiness, and your attention can be focused on creating.

Hello there, your story is exactly my story. Bought a Bernina 750, had it for 5 years and I was done with the machine. Then I bought a Pfaff 720 and had no problems at all. I am pleased to hear that I also are not alone in this machine thing.

I love my Bernina 770 QE, however I think a big part of the reason I’ve felt so good about it is the great service I get at my quilt shop where I purchased it. There were ongoing classes about the machine, so I had lots of support from the beginning. They’ve answered every question, demonstrated anything I didn’t understand, and I get it tuned up every October. I also felt comfortable taking lessons at my shop because those are the machines they use. So, the support is excellent. I also have a Pfaff that is now my backup machine when mine is in the shop for a tune-up. Every time I use it I feel like I’m back with an old friend. Again, my experience is definitely connected to the support and expertise shared with me at “my” quilt shop. Good luck to you!

You are not alone…I had a Bernina 830L and it was a huge struggle, tension, embroidery issues. It was work to get it to work well long enough to make something. My dealer admitted those models had had “issues” but had no solution. So…I sold it and ended up with a Pfaff Creative Icon and absolutely love it! I no longer feel dumb because I can’t get a machine to work. So it was not you! Enjoy your Pfaff!

I've had a Pfaff 1475CD for over 30 years and it has serviced me very well! At one point about 3 years ago, I was not able to turn the machine on. My husband took it apart, ordered a new part for the starter to work. Guess what?? He got it working again! I had bought a new machine - Pfaff Expression 720- and LOVE IT!!! I also own a Pfaff Passport 3.0 which is another workhorse! I will always have a Pfaff! All 3 work now and I am loving them! Hope you fall in love with the Pfaff Exp 720!

I bought a second hand Pfaff from a quilt shop for half the retail price. It was only 6 months old when I bought it. It was my first computerised machine. It’s been over 20 years now and it still works like a charm!

I’m a lifetime Bernina lover but they can be temperamental. I was recently in tears when my Bernina 440QE returned from service with stitch issues and I was told by the inexperienced service tech that it was “perfect” and she implied that I was nuts. For Bernina’s in particular, a partnership with a very experienced Bernina service person is crucial….even if you rarely need them because they are so efficient with repairs or tweaks when you do. There are many machine brands because one brand isn’t for everyone. I recently bought a Juki that only does a phenomenal straight stitch…who knew I could love it too? Find what you love….life is too short. 😊 Lori

50 quilts and counting on my baby lock crescendo and it's never missed a stitch. I love the pfaff I had before as well. I'm glad you found the machine you're happy with. After all this is supposed to be fun.

I'm very glad that I watched your video. I sew with a Brother, I actually have 3 of them different sizes, I have always thought I would like to have a Bernina much for the same reasons you mentioned in your video. However, they are very expensive, and I just couldn't go there. So I've stuck with Brother. Thanks to your video, I don't feel like I'm missing out on anything. Thank you!

My first machine about 12 years ago was a Janome 7700. It was a very nice machine for someone’s first to learn on. I traded it up to a Janome 9400 when they first came out many years ago, and I could feel the difference in the quality of the machine and how it ran. I also had more experience sewing at that point, so that helped. My sewing mentor still has her Bernina Record 930 from 1980 or so, and in fact has purchased several used ones over the years and swears by those machines. I think it’s those older machines that gained Bernina a cult following until today. Several years ago when a local Bernina dealer was offering a free embroidery module with the 770QE, I purchased one new. I think the machines were $5-6k at that time and I think the upgraded versions today are $7-8k now. That is a lot of money. I did the same thing you did and convinced myself I needed a Bernina haha. Clearly their branding is working. Personally, I think the quality control on the Bernina is a little off especially given the price . There’s little things like the seams of the plastic on the machine and the quality of the plastic on the sewing bed that has a cheap feel. I think the software is kind of wonky on the Bernina too. I do believe I was told that an update of the software on the 770qe was going to allow the machine to sense the foot you’re using, but I don’t think that ever happened. It runs very smoothly though, and the stitch is beautiful and perfect, but it is beautiful on my Janome too. I sometimes had the same probs you did when not using a leader. I’ve also since purchased a couple of Jukis and I’d like to sell them. My Janomes are more expensive than the Jukis but the Janomes are quieter. I need to look for your Pfaff review and watch it for kicks. I think if I were to upgrade my machine(s) at some point, I’d opt for a Janome Continental M8 or the current 9400 model. I totally trust Janome and there seems to be greater consistently in quality with their machines. We probably don’t see as much about them online because they just work!

Thanks so very much for your review. I spend a year saving for my Bernina 740. Then, I spent two years trying to make myself feel good about sewing on it, though I had chronic thread/tension problems. I started questioning myself. There was no joy, just numerous visits to the repair shop where they told me what I was doing wrong (human not machine error). Finally, I decided I wanted to get rid of it. Maybe human error or maybe just a bad fit. But, I am happy and will be putting it on the market with the BSR as soon as it comes out of the shop, this last time. Thank you so much for your candor.

I purchased a Bernina even though I was a Pfaff loyalist. I hated that machine and sold it before the warranty ran out. Best decision I have ever made. I had all the same issues as you.

I too have a Bernina 770 QE. As far as the sensors go for the feet and the stitch plate you have to TELL it which ones you have on so if you try to use a zigzag stitch on a straight stitch plate IT WILL NOT LET YOU. You do have to oil this thing that's just the nature of the beast. And you do have to watch Sarah Snuggard on those RU-vid videos she goes through the whole thing from unboxing it to every foot how it works every stitch the whole enchilada. One of the things I love about my Bernina 770 QE is the stitch plate how easy it is to pop that thing on and off. On the other machine you will notice you have to use screws to change out the stitch plate what a pain.

Thank you so much. I’m closer to being cured from Bernina-envy, and I do love my Pfaff. There. Is always so much buzz about Berninas. People lower their voices when they say they have a Bernina,like they’re the holy grail of sewing machines. Thank you for your honesty.

I sewed on a BERNINA 750QE for 7yrs/ I literally had several million stitches on it. Then the shaft broke. They fixed it, but it never worked right again. So, I traded it for a Janome Continental M7 industrial. No complaints it’s a real work horse.

I appreciate your comments, I too have felt "pressure " to buy a Bernina. Almost 40 years ago while living overseas, my husband bought me a small Pfaff Hobby. I loved that machine. But ended up needing a bit more power. I went to shows and listened to all the sales pitch, ended up with another brand. Had lots of issues similar to yours. A few years ago, I reached my tipping point. Packed up the machine and traded it in on a lovely Pfaff Performance Icon. There is a learning curve, but so worth it. Love all the online support. Good luck with your new machine. Hope it gives you many hours of joy!

Part 2: My sister and I both bought Bernina 930s from the same dealer at the same time. She took her’s home to another state with her and always had trouble with hers. Mine has been a wonderful workhorse still today. I will never get rid of it. I then bought a Janome Gem. Great little lighter weight machine. Great for classes or vacations. Did not want a computerized machine for years til my friend sold me her Bernina 1630. Wonderful machine she went to a simpler quilting machine). I love it. The quietest machine I have ever known. Bought another light weight machine recently and the timing went out within a week. Should have researched it more. It went back. I am happy with my stable of machines even today. By the way, we were taught in home ec to bring up your bobbin thread and put that and top thread under presser foot before sewing. Never had a problem (unless I forgot lol). Sorry for such a long message. Good luck with your new machine. My sister just bought 2 Bernina embroidery machines she loves Hugs from Maryland USA

OH do I ever HEAR YOU…yup I had an b880…that I had fallen out of love with…it very touchy with same issues you had …to many issues with such an expensive sewing machine…You give such a good explanation AND INFORMATION…on this product…THANK YOU so much …

If you use a single hole stitch plate, the fabric will stay above the stitchplate. Sometimes you need to clean the bobbin monitor of debris that is blocking the lenses. The biggest difference between Bernina and the all the other machine brands is the hook system and needle system. With the Berninas, you have a rigidly guided needle bar. So if you sew in heavier materials, you won’t get skipped stitches. With the hook system, you have a jumbo bobbin. You can sew for days without winding a bobbin. On the downside, the hook area gets more linty and needs cleaning out. Every bobbin, get a qtip and clean the area out. With the 1010 main sync fail, there is thread caught and the machine is seized and protecting itself from damage. This almost always from improper threading of the top thread. If the thread isn’t seated inside the thread guides, the top thread gets pulled on the underside and gets jammed. This is prevented by applying tension on the top thread while threading.

Thank you very much for your review. I was just a seamstress when I was in my 20's. Now, at 70 I decided to learn to quilt, had no idea it was not as easy as making a garmit. My quilt teacher tells us that the Bernina is a great machine. Well, I can't afford a machine over for $5K US dollars. But thought maybe I should buy a used one. Thank you so much for your comments and I will be reviewing machines other than Bernina. I like the Brother Pacesetter PS700.

I have sewn for 40 years on various machines, including Singer Featherweight, Elna TSP, & Memorycraft. I currently sew on a Bernina 560, & Juki TL18QVP. Hands down, I enjoy sewing on the Juki more than the Bernina. I’ve had the same bobbin sensor problem on the Bernina & know how frustrating that can be!

I totally get everything you’re saying and appreciate your honesty and the post. My first “real” new sewing machine was a new home/Janome and I absolutely loved it but after 6 years, wanted to upgrade and got peer pressured into a Bernina 154QE and regretted (hated) it from day one. I kept it for a year before I couldn’t take it anymore and sold it online. I then bought a Janome 6500P and loved it for over 13 years but then wanted something with more bells & whistles, so after a lot of research and wanting to be in the “cool club”, I bought the Bernina 570 which is very nearly the same machine as the 770 but hated that my fabric always getting sucked into the wide feed dogs that didn’t cover the fabric, I did not like the frost when you turned on the machine, and also I’ve never had to oil a machine, ever, like this one required or else it would start squeaking (nearly every time I used it for only a few hours at a time). The bobbin was torture to get in and out. I had zero issues with either of my Janomes, which practically never needed oil and I never had it serviced either lol. Anyway I sold the barely used two months old Bernina 570 online and got a Janome 9450 and it’s like your lost pet returning home. I’m so happy now. Good for you and sew with what you love!

I had a pos Bernina 830. It ended up being about a $20,000 paperweight. From day 1 I could sew for about a month, then the stitches would start skipping. Every single time I would take it in it would cost me $200 and I would be told that the machines are smarter than people. There was something wrong with the timing. It has set for 3 years because 1)cancer, surgery and treatment. 2)it had acted up again just before I was diagnosed and I had been using my Singer 500A, because it was so much easier. I traded the 830 in on a Bernina 790plus back in June. 2 things I wish it has...1) a clock on the screen 2) a warning that the bobbin thread was about out. I am much happier with the 790 than I ever was with the 830.

Machines are a personal choice. I bought a Janome JD 1818 years ago, had a terrible time with it and stopped sewing. Got into quilting and broke it trying to quilt on it for the first time . Looked at new machines, decided I couldn’t afford it, sewed on my girlfriend’s electronic machine and decided those scared me. Found an old fashioned repair guy who fixed the Janome and my mother’s Singer 99K (it’s one year older than me) He let me watch and I learned more in that time than I ever knew about a machine! Now I piece on the Singer, which can also handle cork and vinyl for the bags I like to make…and the machine still sews a beautiful seam. I quilt on the Janome…still don’t love it and the throat is really small…but I learned enough from the repair man to fix it when it has one of it’s issues…and all for a grand total of $80 USD!

I’m happy you went with your feelings and moved on. You have to love your sewing machine. We spend so much time using our minds and hands to create with them that it shouldn’t be spoilt with frustration or sadness.

I am a Bernina lover, I currently have four, but I do understand where you're coming from. High end Berninas tend to be 'highly strung' and they are definitely different from other machine brands. While I do love my current machines, I have a brand new 880 and it was nothing but trouble and gave me 4 years of grief. My dealer and Bernina UK blamed user error, it wasn't. I haven't had similar issues with my other Berninas. Yes, the bobbin thread sensor can be a problem with many Berninas. I agree about the front loading bobbin, too. I guess no machine is perfect and we all like different things. Personally, I disliked the stitch regulator and never used it; I felt exactly the way you did about it. Berninas are definitely thirsty, and they need to be kept very clean. In 2021 I bought a Pfaff, not my first Pfaff, I adored my first one but it was some years ago, but I loathed the new one and it's been sold on.

We have all been there! Years ago I bought a beautiful brand new husky lock top of the line serger and was never so frustrated in my life. I sold it and bought the cheapie brother and could use it immediately. I have the old (not vintage) Bernina 560 sewing machine with the embroidery hoops. I love the stitch, I love the feet. I love this machine for many things. That said, the bobbin sensor is finicky on light colored thread. It was not your imagination. I watched all of the heirloom creations/sewing mastery videos for this machine twice before buying and using the machine. They are great and necessary as the machine is not intuitive, but once you see it, you get it. I recommend watching a full series of videos on whatever machine you are thinking of buying before you buy. Another BIG concern is whether there is ANY relatively local competent repair shop for the brand you are thinking of buying. My 560 hasn’t broken down. I’ve gotten some nice regular service at one of the two dealers within 50 miles of me, but I had the other dealer accidentally permanently mess up my vintage Bernina 1120…

I bought my Bernina 770QE brand new in 2017, and went through similar issues as you had. My first frustration was the overwhelming LACK of support from my local Bernina dealer. She promised free training classes during the first year, to help acquaint me with the machine and quilting. The classes never happened. I had never quilted before. My sewing experience since the age of 7 was garment and drapery sewing. A friend of mine at church made art quilts and I got hooked. I didn't have any major issues with the machine for basic sewing, but when I added the embroidery module, that I purchased from a Bernina dealer and hour and a half away due to the lack of training support from the local dealer. I encountered the blue screen of death several times, but with the embroidery, the automatic thread cutter broke a number of times. So the second major frustration was the lack of support in repairs. The local dealer did not have someone on site all the time to do repairs. Sometimes it was only once a month that he was available, then I had to leave it for a week or more for repair. The threading cutting mechanism broke 3 x within a short period of time and at $70 a clip for the repair + cost of parts, that was my last straw. One other thing is that the Bernina feet were quite expensive. I was able to sell it of eBay, and I bought another brand of machine in 2020, and totally in love with it.

I like my Juki 2010Q for quilting and piecing. It only does straight stitches and does it beautifully.

I sewed on a Bernina 1230 for years and had no issues with at all. When the main board burned out, I decided to trade it in on a Bernina B570QE. I find it very easy to use and love it. It was also a floor model.

I feel your review is very honest and I can understand where you’re coming from. I have a 770qe and have had many of your same problems that you had. . Being 75 years old and no longer doing as much quilting and no longer have money to waste, I will keep it. Good luck with you Phaff I always fancied one.😊

I’ve had a Bernina 770 QE Plus for two years, including the embroidery module. I love it! It’s an incredible machine with lots of power, features and reliability. I know everyone has their own experience but listening to one persons experience doesn’t mean this is not an awesome machine. I’ve been sewing 50 years and owned 4 different brands. The 3 Bernina machines I now own are the best I’ve ever had. I love the 350 I first purchased so I bought the 770 with the embroidery module and then the 890 serger. Love them all!

There are other machines that have the same features for less money. I have a Juki TL2010Q that is a straight stitch only that is awesome. It has the the Hoover feature to pivot, huge throat space, needle down and you can snip the threads by heel striking on the foot controller (my favorite feature). It is a 999.00 dollar machine which is super powerful and perhaps best it doesn’t suck up/ chew up the fabric in the throat plate which is my biggest disappointment in my Bernina. Starts stitching perfectly from the first stitch where as I notice Bernina users starting on a piece of scrap first. Bummer.

I have a Bernina 770 QE. I bought at least 5 years ago and I had to buy the upgrade in order to get the foot recognition. A lot of your issues are learning curves .., usually leaving the bobbin door open causes the bobbin 🧵 empty. I love mine but I had to learn a lot of things in order for it to function probably. Bernina does require routine maintenance.

Thank you for this! I am in the same boat with my bernina, different model but similar issues/frustrations and feel like I am being ungrateful for not loving it. I thought I was purchasing my last and best machine. I have been very sad with my choice. Thank you for being real.

Its funny how people can have such different experiences with the same brand of machine. I bought a pre-owned 770QE about 3 years ago from a dealer and I’ve never had a problem with it. The bobbin winder did go out on it but the dealer replaced it for free and it’s been fine ever since. I use it for piecing and quilting small projects. I really like that it has a built in dual feed and the built in thread cutter. I was told I should oil it just about every time I sit down to sew, so I do that. And it sews like a dream. So I just recently splurged and got the Q20 on the studio frame in preparation for my retirement from work and I love it too. Sorry your experience wasn’t a good one! Edit: I should add that I had had a much older Bernina for many years before the 770QE so there wasn’t much of a learning curve for me. I does sound like you had a lemon of a machine!

I have only owned a Husqvarna Viking Designer 1 from 2000. It was a workhorse, after 12 years took it into the shop for a check up and cleaning. No problems found. The repair man told me that it was one of the good "Huskies" made in Sweden and currently made in China with plastic parts. I looked up about "best" quilting machines and found this interesting information from The Machine Shop in Walnut Creek, California. This might explain all the commenters issues with the newer machines and not the old ones. " Singer, Pfaff, and Husqvarna Viking. With the kind of brand recognition that these three companies carry, you would think we would be eager to sell them at The Sewing Machine Shop. But we don't. Why? Simply put, these companies do not exist anymore -- not as they once were. All three have been bought out and acquired by a private equity firm: Singer in 1999, then Pfaff and Husqvarna Viking in 2006. These days, all three are lumped under the same umbrella called SVP Worldwide. They are no longer the unique, dependable machines we came to know and love many years ago. A new Singer is a Singer in name only. The same goes for Pfaff and Viking. Interestingly enough, the genesis of our store can be traced back to the heyday of these companies. Back in the 1950's Ramon Schoenberg (Dan's father) owned and operated a factory in Buenos Aires, Argentina that manufactured sewing machine parts for Husqvarna Viking. Marty Schoenberg (Dan's brother and SMS co-founder) got started in the sewing machine industry by operating a travelling repair business, often fixing old Pfaff, Singer, and Viking machines. Even more recently in the early 2000's, The Sewing Machine Shop was one of the top Pfaff dealerships in the country, until 2006 when product quality fell off a cliff after the buyout, and Dan decided to go another direction. These days Dan strictly does business with companies that manufacture their own machines, such as Janome, Bernina, Juki, Babylock, and Brother. Because these companies have their finger on the pulse of the manufacturing process, their products meet our standard for quality. Singer, Pfaff, and Viking simply do not." www.sewingmachineshop.com/module/news/10690/singer-viking-pfaff-why-dont-we-sell-them I hope this answers some of the bewilderment when sewers swear by their older brand macines being no trouble at all, but the new brand machines are so troublesome.

I also had a Bernina and sold it after about a year. I bought it because I had heard/read so many rave reviews about Bernina's and I was due for a new machine. I just never bonded with that machine. I couldn't get over the price for what you got. Then, on my 70th birthday, I decided I wanted a new machine. I bought a Janome fully loaded and it was the worse machine I ever had. It would not go over crossed seams without bogging down and practically stopping. There were other issues, too, so it went back. I recently was talked into another Janome (9450) and I've struggled to like it. I'd sell it if I could. I'm a Brother/Baby Lock gal and haven't liked anything else. They have served me well for many years. I think I'm done try out machines :)

I have bought two ex-display/reconditioned machines over the last few years, mostly because it was the only way to afford such high end machines. Firstly a Janome Horizon 12000 as I wanted to get into embroidery as well and liked the type of design option for holding the embroidery unit, then much later I purchased a Bernina 770QE. I should say here though that I totally trust my dealer and have known him a long time, so I was confident with his support and knowledge. ( I still haven’t the Janome without any issues) Mostly I prefer the Bernina, although parts and servicing are very expensive. When it came to upgrades, sometimes this was not possible with the Bernina due to it’s age and I decided to upgrade to a new Bernina 790+ when I was offered a very special deal. All in all, it is a personal preference and it’s definitely important to do one’s homework thoroughly, plus, most importantly, if possible, test drive a choice of machines within your budget, and ask around about the dealers to be sure of reputation and who you are dealing with. Certainly, I used my 770QE for quite a few years, but second hand computerised machines will inevitably eventually not take the upgrades. Good Luck with your Pfaff! You definitely need to love your machine to enjoy to enjoy the experience😊☺️

You will love your Pfaff. I've owned Pfaffs since 1997 and have loved them all. Had similar issues as you with a Baby Lock machine years ago. Had to lay my first Pfaff to rest as she plain wore out and parts no longer available. Was a heart wrenching time for me. Currently have 4 Pfaffs (3 are embroidery machines) and love them all. Is sometimes challenging to give them all a chance to sew. I tend not to trade in a machine when I buy another, but need to think of thinning down, as space now an issue. So glad I happened upon your channel recently. Have enjoyed seeing and watching what you're doing. Keep it up. Your perspectives are refreshing.

I have a Bernina 770. I purchased it because of the stitch regulator. My biggest complaint is the number of feet that are available and the cost of these additional feet. I also find that the bobbin is hard to get back in place. For being advertised as a quilting machine, it is hard to get an accurate quarter inch seam. i probably will keep the 770 but might purchase a small Juki for piecing.

I’m sorry you had a bad time with your Bernina - it does sound like your particular machine was a bit of a lemon. A lot of the problems you had sound mechanical and are not indicative of every machine. Some things are personal preference like front loading bobbins etc but some of the errors you had were from that machine itself. My Bernina for instance does like oil but I’m still on my first tube from when I got my machine about 3 years ago. I’m glad you didn’t persevere any longer as quilting is supposed to make you happy not frustrated! I hope your new Pfaff plays much better.

I have a Bernina 570 QE and experience every issue you have described. I keep it oiled regularly and clean out the bobbin hook and lint that balls up near the hook. In the circular space. I feel at some point I too will trade it in after much more research. Thanks for your honesty as I thought it was my lack of knowledge about the machine; but I see from the comments it’s quite common.

I totally understand. I had a “slightly” used Bernina 880 Plus. It was in the shop more than I had it. I went to another shop and traded it in for a new Baby Lock Solaris 2 and I am absolutely in love. In the end, the shop that I purchased the Bernina at told me that for machine embroidery, Baby Lock is a better brand for it. Go figure, Lol!

I found this absolutely fascinating! I've never owned a Bernina, but two people in my quilting group have them and like them. However, we all have different learning styles and attributes, so a machine that's good for one person may not serve another well. And this is without even considering machine flaws. Some years back I bought a demo model Brother Innovis VQ3000 quilting/sewing machine - a predecessor of the Luminaire. It has an 11.5" throat, auto foot lift, auto thread cutter, auto threader, bobbin low indicator and lots more. I negotiated the price and the deal was excellent, I got most of the accessories, the travel cases and a full original warranty for approx. 30% of the original price. I guess I'm lucky because I've hardly had a moment's difficulty with it. Plus, despite all of it's features, it was not at all complicated and amazingly easy to learn! I'm also sure it's made with quite a lot of metal, because it's ridiculously heavy - 46 lbs - no good for taking back and forth for quilting sessions. I've been looking at the Baby Lock Jazz II for a "travel" machine, but have learned that it has a gross weight of 36lbs. That's not a bad thing because at that weight it must have some significant metal in it, but I'm not sure I want to lug around a 36lb. machine, even with a cart. I can wait however, because if I decide to buy one, I'd rather wait until the price drops even more. And in the meantime, I have a standard-size electronic Brother machine that I use for piecing when working with my group. What's the saying? "Patience will out" Is that the correct quote? Well anyway, I've got plenty of patience.

Very informative Video. Thank you for taking the time to review your experience so thoroughly. Marketing has never played a part in any of my machines purchases. I've had a variety of machines over the years. Learned to sew on two antique Singer machines, one a 1920's portable, (made my wedding dress with it) the other a 1910 treadle. Husband bought me a basic Singer Zig Zag in 1987 (So nice to do button holes by machine!) Got turned onto quilting and went to a quilt making class and noticed how quiet all the other machines were. They were Berninas. Loved how quiet they were, and the fact they were obviously better built machines than my little Singer Basic Zig Zag. In 1992 I bought a Bernina 1090. It is amazing. Never any issues. It is a heavy machine. Just love it. Fantastic stitch quality, particularly hem stitching and top stitching. Great machine which I still use regularly. Became a serious quilter and wanted to do more machine quilting. Was doing a lot of FMQ on the 1090, but wanted more harp space. I was looking at a Bernina 440, but the sales rep said it was very similar to my 1090 in size and functionality, I should look at the 700 Series, the difference was the throat space. Stitch regulator wasn't something I particularly liked or wanted. I purchased a Bernina 750 QE. I really liked the light , sensors, hover foot, thread cutter, needle threader and ease of use. Love the dual feed. I purchased it in 2015 and have been extremely happy with it. No issues. Absolutely amazing for FMQ and Ruler Work. Just the bomb. The only thing it struggles with is heavy fabric with bulky seams. Doesn't like those, however, the 1090 goes through those like butter. I keep both set up in my sewing room. Makes it easy to keep a different colour thread in each if I'm working on a project that uses different threads. Bag making is typically on the 1090. And most everything else is on the 750. I had a Juki Serger that I really liked. Also a Janome Overstitch 2000CPX. That machine was a nightmare. I sold the Juki and Janome, then purchased a 1300MDC combination Serger/Coverstitch machine, x-display, from a dealer last year. Came with a full warranty and was less than half of retail. Bernina doesn't make this unit anymore, which is a shame. Brilliant machine. Unbelievable stitch selections and ease of use. I also have a Janome Platinum 760 for workshops and teaching my grandkids to sew. It's very versatile and easy to use. The kids can use the stop/start button to stitch on it, which is great, 'cause they can't reach the pedal! 750 has one as well. Very light weight for classes. Great basic stitches, not great on hemming. I always oil my machines every two bobbins. (Every so often with the combo machine... base it on how it sounds. ) Just something I was told to do when I was a kid. I clean in between each bobbin. I've been told I take very good care of my machines. I guess that's why I don't have service issues. Sorry for being so long winded.

I purchased my Bernina 770QE in Oct.2019 and the pandemic hit so I went to one class. I bought it on whim went to dealer to look at serger. In any case I got a great deal it included all the embroidery things ( which I an just going to class this week).Long story longer I had to learn on my own and I thank god for you tube and Bernina Jeff.I have a Baby lock that is very infuriating at times so bottom line I love my Bernina. I equate mine to a Volvo and my Babylock to a Kia.

Your post has definitely sparked a lot of interest and response Kirsten. I’ve been really interested reading everyone’s comments and input. Thank you for your informative video and your experiences.

I sewed exclusively on Bernina machines for 25 years, so when I wanted a new machine I went to my local Bernina dealer. I was fully prepared to purchase a new machine that day. However, I was very disappointed in the attitude of the dealer and the amount they would give me on my trade in. Now mind you I had purchased the machine new from them so they knew the machine inside and out. I left the store and started my research. I ended up with a Pfaff Performance Icon. I absolutely love it. It does everything I need. The throat space is great, I can sew through many layers of fabric and it’s loaded with features. I’m not a huge fan of the top loading bobbin but I’ve gotten used to it over time.

Thank you for the detailed review and why you finally traded it in. I thought about a Bernina but read from some reviews they might be a little touchy with the bobbin thread sensor, etc. I'm getting older and my machine lives up a steep set of narrow stairs in my loft "aka woman cave". The dealer is 2 1/2 hours away so taking it in to the dealer other than a yearly maintenance isn't feasible. I purchased a Janome Continental M7 and I love it. The only issue I have is the threader because I usually use a size 70 needle which is a little too small for the needle threader, my solution, hand thread it.

I had a machine I absolutely loved and traded it in on a much fancier machine, different brand. Very soon, I regretted my decision and went back to the store to get my old machine back but it was gone. Eventually, I found another machine like my old one and sold the new, fancy machine at a big loss. I still have my old machine and a spare, 30 years later, and made a quilt with it today. I can relate to the embarrassment of making an expensive mistake and not liking something everyone else is crazy about. You either work together with your machine or you fuss at each other so pick the one you get along with.

Bernina is the best is what I kept hearing over and over and I felt exactly the same way you did not long after I bought mine. I got it brand new and had the same issues with the bobbin/threading and having to keep stopping to clear the error even though the bobbin was fine. The service tech said Bernina machines are "over engineered" and the numerous senors were too sensitive so even a little speck of dust or lint can set off the sensor and stop the machine. After months of frustratiing sewing attempts I sold the machine and got a Singer and a Brother (two machines) for the same price. Now I have a dedicated quilting machine and one for everything else and am much happier. Thank you for sharing your experience here, it helps me know that the problem wasn't me or user error.

I once worked in an embroidery factory with computerized machines. The largest of which at our facility was a 20 head Barudan we named Killer. That's probably the main reason I would never buy a computerized home sewing machine now, though I must admit that I don't blend well with technology in any devices. On the bright side, if the power grid ever goes down I do own a working treddle machine. 😁

The layers of issue that I have experienced with my B580 (2011, purchased new) is that the place that I purchased it from was worthless when it came to customer service. I had the same bobbin sensor error (which stops your machine from sewing, for those who havent experienced it) and my machine went back 4 separate times. It got so bad I stopped sewing altogether. I also had the sewing light go out after about 50 hours of use (LED, trademarked specialized bulb by Bernina) And I could never get the sewing machine to update. I always received an error. Never once did the store tell me that I was under coverage of warranty and that they could contact Bernina directly and have the issue fixed. They just kept using their local guy to service it and nothing improved. After years of not sewing at all, I pulled it back out (i had moved) and took it into a local shop to service it. The service person said " your mother board doesnt work have you ever been able to update this sewing machine firmware? Also your bobbin sensor is shot and your broke the door for the bobbin area" ( I had no broken the door...) But of course by this time, nothing was under warranty. The Bernina experience is so heavily based on the quality of the store where it is distributed which from what I hear is really not great for a lot of people.

I was a Bernina Girl for many years. But had problems with 3 newer machines. My dealer just wouldn’t acknowledge what I was telling him. I would take in a machine he would keep for 2 or more weeks and it have the same problem when I picked it up. I finally changed to Pfaff and never looked back.

I have had Bernini’s for over forty years. They have all been wonderful except for one model. I learned not to by a new model with something really different on it fight after the model is introduced. I bought a 780QE after the were first released. There was problems with the huge new bobbin that they were unaware of. There was a long back order time for getting the replacement parts to replace the defective bobbin parts. There was also issues with the thread spool that was horizontal, especially when using embroidery thread when doing embroidery. So I ended up trading my 780 in for a 880 and loved it. No more problems at all. There is a learning curve but with the proper education at the beginning I had no more problems. From looking at the year that you bought your 770 I would say two things. One is that I would never buy a machine that had been a floor model for four years. The second thing is that I think that from when the 770 was released and when you bought it after it was used as a demo in a stop for four years, that there is a good chance that the machine you bought was one that was from soon after that model was released to the market to the other thing that is crucial in how you will enjoy your machine besides education is the dealership. I always bought my machines from a really good dealership. It had been in business since the early 1960’s and was still family owned even to this day. The men who service and repair the machines are family members that have bern doing that service as long as the family has owned the shop. They know everything about every model from education from all those years and know what they are doing. The last thing that is very important is the integrity of the people owning and running the shop. We moved to a different county at one point. I took a class at the bernina dealership in that county and they were so impressed with my sewing skills that they wanted to hire me to work in their shop. I worked there a short while. I found out that they did not have the integrity that the owners of the previous shop had. They would sell a machine and if someone returned it they would consider it a brand new machine like out of an unopened box and it was certainly not. The machine wasn’t brand new it had been used for awhile. It was not a brand new machine out of an unopened box and who knows how it had been treated and what kind of problems it could have. When I found that out I quit. After that I always drove down to the other shop in the other county to buy my machines. Sounds like you had bad shops that you dealt with. Your machine will not be better than the integrity of the shop owners and service people. Sorry to hear about your negative experience with two different shops. The Bernini’s really are good machines. The best models are still put together in their Switzerland plant not Thailand.

I had been a Janome, but then went to a Pfaff and I will never use any other machine. I like that they have excellent videos on You Tube that walk you through how to use them. Best of luck.

I almost bought a Bernina quilting machine but ended up with a Husqvarna viking designer royal but even if its a wonderful machine i was tired of it breaking down so now i bought a Juki for stitching havent tried the quilting part of the machine but i am in love with the machine ♥️ Good luck with the pfaff♥️

Thank you so much for sharing this! I “upgraded” to a Bernina 740 (I’d already dealt w/the BSR and knew I didn’t want it) a couple years ago and I am not satisfied. So many problems, but my dealer kept implying it was my thread or my skills, or whatever and I knew it wasn’t me! I bought it to be like the cool kids, too. I feel so much better about FINALLY stopping this charade and looking for another machine. I felt duped and that was embarrassing, but I’m tired of dealing with all the problems: always needing a lead fabric, thread cutter not working, tension issues, constant thread error computer message that I can’t actually find, a strange high pitched buzzing noise, sensor feet costing 2x as much but the sensor not serving a purpose. Thank you thank you thank you!

Glad to learn others are not enamored with a with Bernina!! I am ready to trade mine in for a different machine!!

I had a Bernina B770QE and I sold it within a year of buying it brand new - OUCH! It was very tempremental and gave me no end of trouble. There were some features that I really liked and still miss such as the dual feed and the jumbo bobbin, but I had endless problems with the top thread and bobbin thread sensors and I didn't like the 9mm feed dogs at all. I then bought an ex-disply Baby Lock Crescendo and it is a fabulous machine. However, I now live in Spain and Baby Lock sewing machines are unknown here and I can't find anyone to service it. With Baby Lock you're not supposed to even oil it yourself! So, I now have a Bernina B485 and I really love it and have bonded with it. It has 4.5mm feed dogs and stitches beautifully. It doesn't have nearly as many of the fancy features as the B770QE, but you learn to live without them. For example there is no way to lower and raise the presser foot other than with the lever at the back. I don't mind this though as it is more akin to sewing on vintage machines, of which I have a few. The B770QE is a monster of a machine and I like that the B485 is more compact but still has a decent harp size. At the time I was having trouble with the B770QE, I couldn't find anyone to agree with me that it had issues and just supposed I had bought a dud. When I stumbled across your video, I just had to write a response.

I had a basic Husqvarna for 30 years and loved it. Upgraded to an embroidery and sewing machine and loved it but had hard time getting parts or accessories. Finally bought a Brother Dream Machine 11 sewing and embroidery machine. Throat space is over 12”. Wow. Love every feature. It embroiders wonderfully well. Sewing is exceptional and I have made numerous quilts. I will stay with Brother for life! Wish you well with your Pfaff.

I totally know where you are coming from. I had a top of the line from another company that I hated after I had it for a while. I kept it for 3 years thinking I should love it. Never did. Finally sold it. I have a Bernina 770 and we get along wonderfully. Love it. So to each his own and that's why there are so many brands. Good luck with your new machine!

I know! Right? I bought a Brother on the recommendation of the Quilting Marine and he's a newby. Fortunately, I am happy with it. I lucked out. As for spouses and their nagging about prices of our tools, That's a tough one. For example, a man met his friend in heaven. "Harry! Look what's happening down on Earth. My wife is selling all my tools for the price I told her I bought them for!"

I hear you about the Bernina, I’ve had several of them and always liked them but I have a Bernina 770QE and I don’t like piecing on it because the thread breaks and I’ve tried changing my thread. I think it’s because 9mm feed dogs is a light overkill for a 1/4” seam so I purchase a Juki TL2200 to piece and quilted on the Bernina. I liked the Juki better so then I purchase the Juki J-150 and I pieced and quilted on that; nice and fast and smooth. Then I wanted a sit down long arm and I thought I’d like the Juki Myobi but I liked the Bernina Q20 better. The more bells and whistles a machine has the more problems it can have. Mechanical machines last a lot longer than computerized machines.

I bought a Bernina 740 and am in the Remorseful Buyers Club. I paid too much for it not to keep on struggling. This machine is finicky, picky and a pain in the patootie. It stops working and gives the error messages you mentioned when it somehow manages to get a teeny bit of thread in the bobbin/hook area, involving the whole thing to have to come out, get cleaned, oiled and reassembled at least once during every project. Even with the straight stitch throat plate it eats the beginning bit of the piecing fabric, more taking the plate off and cleaning it out and sometimes it’s managed to jam up the bobbin thread, it drinks oil like an oilaholic, doesn’t notify me if my bobbin thread is running out, the bobbin winder had to be replaced in the first year, the needle threader and thread cutter stopped working in the second year. I spend at least fifteen minutes troubleshooting for every couple of hours of sewing. And the zipper foot doesn’t get anywhere near close enough to the edge of cording or zippers. I have to wind bobbins at a snails pace, otherwise the thread compresses the bobbin, which changes the shape and it won’t work in the bobbin holder. The $900 BSR stopped working and had to be replaced, luckily at their expense,but it took six months to get it in. I could go on. I would trade it in if I could get anything for it. My dealer is fantastic, but I wish I’d gone for a cheaper machine every time I use it. Btw, when its cooperating, its the best machine in the world.

Thank you for this video! i just bought a new fancy (expensive) APQS long arm to replace my basic but trusty Nolting. I have had absolutely no problems with the machine not working properly. BUT - it turns out that although I got some great new features with the new machine, I gave up some things in the old machine that I thought would be standard in all long arms. Biggest disappointment - the stitch regulator beeps every 8 seconds, no matter what you do. I assumed something was wrong and when I found out from the manufacturer that it's supposed to do that, it's a "safety feature" (not mentioned in the manual or on their website), I complained about it on the APQS Facebook group. Big mistake, because I was attacked, mostly by dealers, trying to tell me that the beeping is a good thing, you just need to tune it out, etc. There are a lot of things I like about the new machine and frame, but I didn't expect to miss things about my old one, not when I spent SO much money on this new one. Anyway, thank you for this video. I understand your feelings completely, and I feel better knowing I'm not alone. Good encouragement for making a change if the machine is just not right for YOU. Glad you are happy now, and hope you continue to be!

Thanks for your video. I’ve lusted after a Bernina for years, but cannot afford one, nor the servicing costs. The 770 QE is $8000 NZD! My Brother Innovis 400 quilters machine is alright, it’ll do the job, cost $800 at the time. I recently inherited an old Singer Capri mechanical machine from the late 1970’s. It’s fully metal and it’s so easy to open it up and oil it. I’m keeping that old girl forever.

Thanks for sharing the nitty gritty or the dark side of discontent. It makes me sad to hear of all the trouble you went through to try and become satisfied with your huge purchase! I'm super glad you worked with the shop to take it back and found one that suits. I am very pleased with my Bernina QE 440. I bought just the machine brand new over 14 years ago and still love her. The chain of sewing machine shops that sold her gives free how to use your machine... for life. Those lessons are fantastic and the instructors help you understand tricks and new ideas on enjoying your machine. I'm an eclectic sewist. I do clothing, home decor, quilting, thread painting, and FMQ. I do oogle over some of the fancier machines that others have and in the shop but I am content with my "Nina." I think sewing machines are like any product, cooking, power tools, etc. Needs, wants, and dreams come into play here. I think you have to be honest and ask yourself if you ride a machine hard, you know, one who need something made out of cast iron or are you fastidious about the use and care of your tools. Don't be influenced by what others tell you. Ask trustworthy repair people and those that actually sew on the machine. Then try them out for yourself. It can be a big investment and worth the time you allow to satisfy your purchase.

Totally understand. I have sewn on a Pfaff for years and then bought a Bernina 570. Fortunately, after a year a friend bought it from me and loves it. It was way too fiddley, hated oiling it, didn’t like needing a header, and the dual feed is nothing like the Pfaff IDT. I now am the happy owner of a Pfaff 7570 and Pfaff Quilt Ambition 630.

I have a Bernina 770 QE Tula Pink Edition for about 4 years and love her I sew 🧵 everything I had a really cheap brother and my Bernina sews beautiful and to embroidery is so much fun. I’m sorry you had a bad experience. I sew a lot and I didn’t think their was a learning curve at all. I hope your new machine is good for you.

I have a Bernina 880 plus. It was the 1st computerized machine I ever used and the learning curve was steep. I initially had a love/hate relationship with it. Then I took it in for a thorough going over and it sews like a dream. Yes, it loves oil. Yes, the front bobbin can be a pain when you have a sewing cabinet. I always use the straight stitch plate when I am piecing. Then I bought a Bernina 590 plus for our winter home. Yes, I like it. But do I love it like my 880? No. The size and weight of the 880 just sews so much smoother. I might add that my other machine is a Pfaff 2040. I love them all but my favorite is the Bernina 880.

I too have had a similar experience with the identical machine..terrible even after research..only after purchased did l sun into problems…did know not to buy a machine from a distant seller..but this shop was the closest place for purchase..when l had to ship it to the shop l had to pay the cost..the so called repairs to a new machine took 6 MONTHs..and l had to pay the repair cost and shipping cost..when l asked about the warrantee..was told when l buy a new car..the tires are not on a warrantee..WHAT..so the machine sits unused as my heart is not in it ….on sale..6000$..cant even bring myself to sell it..cannot put into words the disappointment…and oh..on further research found that line of berninas were all exhibiting the same problems..right out of the factory..if it had been a car ..there would have been a call back on that model..lol

I have two Bernina's. (I did not feel pressured to buy either, but rather bought lower ended models that met my sewing needs). I have a Bernina 910 that has 7 stitches. It is more than 30 years old and going strong. I updated and bought a Bernina B530 about 3 years ago. (yes, some brand loyalty but I got it at a fantastic close out deal, as the model was discontinued but had some great features over my 910). Even though the B530 (engineered in switzerland) has a BSR (I have mixed feelings about), it only has 7.5" of throat space (so not such a great match!). But it had many more features (and stitches) than the 910 (Engineered and made in Switzerland) (7" of throat space). However, the B530 is no where near as solidly built as the 910 due to mfg standards. It does not have the wider stitch nor large bobbin. I recently bought a Juki Kirei. (Used, like new, $1500). It has (1) tons of stitches (351); (2) SureFeed system (no walking foot needed); (3) 12" of throat space (my main reason for buying it); (4) auto sequence options for starting and stopping for security stitch (lock or bkwd/fwd) and auto thread cutting. The controls are convenient and intuitive. It has a right pedal to access auto features too. All combined at an attractive price point was the selling point for me. The threader does not work, but honestly I don't find them helpful and don't even use the one that works on my Bernina. The lighting on the machine is phenomenal. I really like FPP on the Kirei because of the auto thread cutting (gosh I did not realize how much I would love this feature!) Each and every one of these items were compelling and why I would not part with it (to include my fantastic deal) Cons: It has a honking large beveled throat and a crap 1/4" gated foot that makes piecing a pain. The feet as compared to a Bernina look and feel much more cheap. (Which is why you get more features per dollar). It also does not have the same needle thrust torque as the Bernina--but it has not caused me problems. Just I can "hear" when the machine is hitting a seam. (My husband likens it to the difference between american/european cars/motorcycles v. Japanese. For these reasons, I prefer to piece on my Bernina B530 OR my 1946 Kenmore straight stitch rotary (bought used, and is a workhorse). However, dollar for dollar you will get more features on the JUKI (or other Japanese brand) than the Bernina (or other euro model). But it does not have the warranty of a Bernina nor does it have the same fit and finish as a Bernina. In my experience, you have to determine the features you want (and will use) in a machine, and be realistic about your budget. My Kirei makes quilting a breeze, and I don't feel like I'm am wrestling an allipathon through the throat space. However, if I had to pay full retail for it, I would not. Rather, I would give up all the fancy stuff and simply go to Juki's sit down quilter which is not that much more than the full retail price of the Kirei or the current model . But for $1500, I got a great value for throat space and consider the extra features gravy.

I think the way you sew makes a difference in the machine that fits you best. I bought a fancy singer with tons of decorative stitches when I first got into quilting…and after the first couple of quilts I began to become annoyed with it. And ten years later I was so frustrated with it I finally decided that I needed something else. And ended up getting a much simpler machine and since I had carefully examined the way I quilt I am so much happier (and both the machines in question were display models)

I would like to say thank you for doing this youtube video. I too am unhappy with my Bernina. I bought a Bernina 630 with the stitch regulator brand new from the dealer for my 50th birthday in 2009. I also bought the embroidery attachment along with 4 different feet. I went to all of my classes and I had it serviced every year by the dealership. Since the machine cost me so much money I took care of it with kit gloves and nobody else would be able to use it. My machine was plugged into a surge suppressor so nothing would happen to it due to any storms. I made a few baby quilts, a wedding quilt for my niece (which I had to finish 3 years after because of medical reasons) and some items of clothing and only used the thread recommended by the company. Then in 2015 I wasn't able to sew due to going through breast cancer and all the treatments and recovery. My machine sat closed protected in its case until 2017. When I finally was strong enough to sew and started my machine up it had a huge black line running through the computer screen! I couldn't figure out why because it was unplugged and packed up and not used for 2 years! Then when I called the dealer and brought the machine in they told me that I would have to buy a motherboard for $350.00 and then another $125.00 for the service charge! I paid $3,500. for the machine in 2009 and another $1,000.00 for the embroidery adapter and they wanted me to pay another $475,00 to fix it! I was told it only had a 5 year warranty and the machine was out of warranty. I couldn't even order the part myself because the company will only send parts to dealers! I thought how crazy is that why couldn't I fix my own machine since it was out of warranty. Last year I went and purchased a Husqvarna Viking Jade and I couldn't even trade in my Bernina. I hope that someday I'll be able to fix it but I didn't receive the support I felt I deserved from the dealer who I purchased it from and unlike vehicles you can buy the part and fix your own car, truck or van. With Bernina they will only send the part needed to an authorized dealer! So I'm very soured on Bernina and will NEVER buy another!

I bought a 770 as my dream machine. It has NOT been a dream, and the store AND the company have been NO support. I am constantly told it is user error. The thread sensor errors are inexcusable, and the birds nest that happens without a leader is the worst I’ve ever experienced. I have had ALL of the experiences that you’re discussing. When I asked about trading it in, I was told that I could get a a $1000 credit. I’m disappointed with the machine, but disgusted with the store and the company.

Good luck with your Pfaff. I had 4 different machines, problems with each one. Company was great providing a replacement machine 1 machine after another. Always upgrading. Last 1 was 4 months old and problems started using the embroidery unit. To go onto next color in design, change thread, touch screen to begin embroidering. Machine would beep at me. They had put too high of power source behind the screen. Traded it in on a Brother, embroidery and quilter. No issues with that machine. Recently I purchased a Bernina Aurora 440 QE. Love it. I make lap quits for hospice of the Valley. It's the machine I do all my piecing on. Recently used my ruler foot and quilted it entirely on the Aurora. Granted the throat space is limited, but it quilted like a dream. Have a Viking Designer 1 (27 years old), and my Moms Singer 301. Just like cars, you can get a lemon. Happy quilting

Gosh, I sort of feel shame now, that I’m the odd quilter/sewist here. I ❤️ my 770QE. I see advantages to top loading bobbins too, but the front has its pluses too. Anytime I’ve bought a new machine (including embroidery, sergers and coverstitch machines) I sit down with the owners manual and go start to finish. It takes time, but so worth it. And watch Sara Snuggerud from heirloom creations RU-vid videos which are model specific….very helpful, since dealer classes touch on basics. And my dealer is 2 hours away. Sorry you had such horrible time, but glad you found a machine that brings you joy while getting your projects done!

I have a Viking Epic 2, a Bernina 790 Swarovski edition and a Bernina L890 overlocker,serger, cover stitch combo. Honestly, I having sewn on a Vikings since 1998, they are easy to use. BUT, BUT!!!! There is nothing like sewing on a Bernina. They are different, a little more complex but they are the Rolls Royce of machines. I love my Bernina’s. Classes, classes and practice have encouraged me to keep using my 790 and L890. Having an incredible dealer is also a huge benefit. Bernina has so many tutorials and so does You Tube. If you have a Bernina, don’t give up. Read, watch everything you can find on your particular model, use it as much as you can, it’s a learning curve. Keep trying and become very familiar with it and your machine will indeed love you back! Remember you must tell the machine which foot and plate you have on, if you have the wrong plate on, for some stitches, the machine will not stitch. It’s most often user error than a problem with the machine. I would not hesitate to purchase another Bernina in the future. I hope this helps sewists and quilters not to be disappointed or give up.

I bought a Bernina 750 QE pre owned. It was complicated to learn because there is so much. Have not had any issues, except the bobbin alert going off what I consider prematurely. I take it now as a suggestion.

Thank you for such a down to earth honest review. I have a Bernina 590. Purchased with similar reasons to yourself. Had a Pfaff Creative Vision (first rendition) which was close to what you would call a lemon. The feed dogs still don't sew a straight line without a lot of persuasion (known issue). Numerous techs on numerous occasions over the years got the many issues ironed out. Once out of warranty this added to the original cost. I was never totally satisfied with it. Was ready to trade to something else. Got the B590 thinking it was a smaller machine than the Creative Vision and would be useful for travel (it wasn't as it was just as heavy). The 590, yes a learning curve. Yes, temperamental. Yes thirsty. Yes hissy fit if I do something out of the order that it demands. It's taking a while for me to fall in love with it even after 2 1/2 yrs. I had a chance to get a used Pfaff Creation Sensation Pro. I still love the way Pfaffs work. More intuitive. The Sensation has lots of bad reviews particularly concerning the screen which I didn't read about until after I got the machine. So far so good for me. Unlike its sister, it sews without swerving off the straight. So here I am. Didn't get rid of the Creative Vision because I could still embroider larger hoop sizes and I wasn't sure about the 590 in the beginning. The 590 sews a lovely straight seam if it doesn't gobble the fabric as it starts. Also just in case the screen went on the Sensation Pro I have kept the CV as a back up. So... the CV travels with me even though its heavy. If something happens to it no big loss. The 590 does the quilting tasks, fine sewing as well hoop embroidery for some tasks and the Sensation does a lot of my embroidery work and some sewing if it happens to be the machine that is set up at the time.

First, thank you for posting this. One real problem I feel is evident with any hobby shown on RU-vid is how people feel that the equipment used by whoever is making the videos will somehow magically make the viewer magically better at said hobby. I have been guilty of feeling I need to buy 'the thing' and then finding that maybe it didn't work so well for me. But sewing machines are a huge expense and right now everyone I know is buying Jukis because a lot of quilters are using them. I bought a Bernina years ago partially because of the hype. My story is kind of similar to yours but with a different ending. It's a long story so I am not going to bore everyone with it, but let me say it's not you. I ended up loving my machine, but it was touch and go there for awhile.

I have sewn on Bernina's for almost 40 years. My first was the mechanical machine 930. I loved that machine. It was a work horse. Sewed on it for 14 years before I got a 440QE. My first computerized machine. It was great also. Sometimes the stitch wasn't quite as nice as I would have like it to be, but it did everything I asked it to. I added one of the smaller machines to tote around for classes. I was pretty happy with it. Then I got the big machine bug and went for a 750QE. Kept the 440. I preferred piecing quilts on the 440 but with time I adjusted to the 750. I love the big bobbin. It is awesome. The 750 is a 9mm. So, I had to learn to put my fabric under the presser foot, that took some doing. But I got it. And I use the single hole plate when doing straight stitching. Holding on to your threads before you start sewing helps so much on computerized machines. I have done that since my first Bernina. As far as I am concerned, it's a game changer. I'm not saying Bernina's are perfect. I too have had problems. Mostly on the 750. But I still like many things about it and have worked through the issues. I would like to try a Janome. We have a wonderful dealer in the little town I live in. It would be so fun to have a machine from them. But I fear I wouldn't adjust to a new brand of machine. You read bad about every brand of machines out there. I guess we all settle on what works for us. Thanks for letting me rattle on. Good luck to all looking for the perfect machine. I would love to hear about it if you find one. Thank you all.

I have had a pfaff for 20 years and I love it. The dealer I bought it from and where I have it serviced dropped selling Bernina because he felt the company is not reliable any more and count on their NAME carrying them in the market place. All your feet and add-ons will also cost you less. I think it was a win-win situation for you. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.

Thank you for your honest and, I feel, important critique of your experience. I didn't buy a display, but I did buy a recently traded in Janome. Only about a year old, so still rather pricey. It was horrible, and I learned why the original owner traded it in. It was simply a lemon. Bit by bit, everything malfunctioned, until the repair shop said it just wasn't fixable. The store offered me credit for the amount that I'd spent trying to fix the machine, but I feel they should have bought back the un-usable machine that they unloaded on me. I've since bought another used Janome, but off of Facebook Market Place this time, and I love it. It's a dream machine. The store where I got the lemon should never have sold me the ill-running machine. BTW, I also have a small-ish Pfaff because I wanted to try the dual-feed. It's the only machine that I've purchased new, and it's been a steadfast work horse.

Excellent video! You listed all the issues I have had with my 770 which was purchased as a new machine. And I thought I was the only one having issues! The machine is currently at the dealers to be cleaned, serviced and software updated with the hopes things will get better. Now after watching this I'm thinking it might be time to move on from my machine. I had attended classes on the machine, read the manual, etc. Thought my issues were due to me. Now I know it's not me and probably the machine itself. Your video gave me the courage to confront my machine issues and not feel guilty about moving on to another. Thanks again!

I bought the Bernina 770qe and have it back in repair numerous times. I’ve only had it two years. Gears error, machine locking up, scissors won’t cut, bobbin winding only 1/2 and then won’t wind the rest, fancy stitches see and then they mess up. Too expensive a machine to have this trouble. And I did not buy a display.

I have a Bernina 570 QE. Feel the same like you. It's just not for everybody. For my personal taste, it keeps me too much from sewing. She wants to know which foot I've put on, which needle, which blahblah... I just discovered, that this doesn't "help" me. I want a machine which leaves the thinking to me and just sews. I find her more picky, than any of my other machines, when it comes to sewing over seams. The only thing I really like is the front loading bobbin, over top loading. I like the oiling process, but don't like the menus, and how you have to walk through them. I find these on my Brother more easy to understand. I never got along with the BSR, and ended up doing all my fmq with my Juki TL 2200 qvp mini. As a bagmaker, the Juki is a lot better to handle bulk and sewing vinyls.

I really liked listening to your assessment of the Bernina 770. I bought one about a month and a half ago, after lots of research, reading reviews, listening to others who owned them, etc. I also was interested in the Pfaff Expression, but heard so much about Bernina. So I bit the bullet and bought one. I do like it very much so far, but I feel it’s really overloaded for what I need. It has a great straight stitch but I also feel myself Uber cautious when changing any settings or feet or any maintenance work.. I call her the Diva because I feel like I oil her more often than any of the other machines I own. I have my nose in the manual more, and yes, there is definitely a learning curve. So I’m taking it slow so I don’t become frustrated. I get where you were coming from and you gave such a honest and totally understandable reason for why you were feeling what you did. Sewing needs to be fun, not have you on edge. You have to trust your machine. I’m glad you are happy so far with what you replaced it with. I wish you many years of trouble free sewing.

My first machine I purchased was a Janome. It was a nightmare! I had constant tension issues, especially when quilting. It seemed no matter I did there was a problem. The shop owner kept telling me it was ‘operator error’ and suggested I take a machine quilting class which I did. The instructor who is nationally known, looked at me and asked why I was in her beginner class when clearly I was no beginner and I told her what was going on. She said it was definitely the machine and not me. So I purchased my first Bernina (store demo) and loved it. I still love it. I traded up to the 775 due to the larger throat plate for quilting. I love this machine. I also purchased a demo model and had some problems for awhile which was when I turned it off, it would not turn back on. I had to bring it in like 5 times and finally they fixed it with an update. I have learned to use 2 stitch plates for whatever I needed and I think it would be better for me if I actually took more classes. I do love the machine though. I ended up buying a Bernina Q20 sit down long arm. I have no space for a long arm on a frame and this was a good substitute. It was also a demo machine. I have loved this machine so much. I will Never buy another Janome. I hated that machine.

I was thrilled to find your video because I bought a 570QE with the idea that it would make my quilting fabulous and I have been suffering buyer's remorse ever since. I also have a Bernina 350 QE about which I was not too crazy, but after playing with the 570, I love the older model and wish I could find someone to take the 570 off my hands.

I first watched this video a year ago when I was thinking about which sewing machine I wanted, and it was really helpful. I decided to stay with janome, as I felt it suited my style, and got an upgraded model. A year later I'm incredibly happy. Thank you!

I have a Bernina 820QE, that I bought 2nd hand (it was traded in) it works like a dream, although it took me a while to get used to the large bobbins, new feet etc..Also did not come with a ruler foot! - i had to purchase that separately, my machine sews quite fast and you can adjust the speed. It sounds like you got a lemon! - i had a similar experience with my previous Pfaff - and would never buy another one!

I also had an 880. I despised it. As with others, it was constantly in the shop. After awhile, the shop started blaming me since they couldn’t figure out how to repair it. I later found out that the 880 is considered a lemon and the value went down because people were realizing how bad the 880 really was and not buying them. I eventually traded it in for a 790 (an actual “step down” in terms of model level). I love the 790. As far as ex display, that shouldn’t be a problem. The Bernina computer actually tracks the stitch “mileage” meaning every time the needle sinks down and up again, it counts as one stitch. The average mileage for a well used machine is up in the multiple 20 to 40 millions. Additionally, a display machine goes directly to the tech if there is ever a problem. So it is being repaired immediately whenever a problem occurs. Oil: I’m sorry you have been misdirected about oil. As a professional quilter, I oil my machine EVERY TIME I sit down to sew. Because all sewing machines have friction issues, they must be oiled more than you think. It is by far the most important single factor in the health of your machine. And this goes for every sewing machine you will ever buy. The other thing to do is pulling off the needle plate and cleaning the lint out of the bobbin area with the little brush. These two items, putting 3-4 drops of oil whenever you sit down to sew and cleaning the lint out the bobbin area, are the secrets to having a healthy machine. I urge you not to ignore them, even if no one has told you. Your machine will reward you with years of flawless sewing, and you will avoid costly repairs. Best of luck on your sewing adventures.

Thank you so much for your honesty! I considered a Bernina, but decided against it due to the price and the fact that it had a front loading bobbin. It seems as if dealers push them a lot; possibly due to the markup. I have a friend who bought a new one and she too had problems with the bobbin. After watching this, I've decided to keep my Janome 6500 which has a 9" throat space.

I also bought the 770 QE in August 2021. I had almost all of the same problems. However I’ve managed to work thru them with frustration and persistence. It helped that I began to think of it as a computer that sews. I’m also frustrated that it doesn’t automatically sense what foot and plate are on it. It annoys me that the extra books are so expensive. I bought the Big Book of Feet and it’s helpful but I feel it has information that should have been free. My previous machines were a mechanical singer, a Janome Gem Gold { mechanical), and Janome 3160 QDC. Bernini Jeff is a godsend. Additional complaints that I have- the glare from the lights, the needle threader is too fiddly, the bobbin sensor gives very late warning, the threader cutter leaves end that still need to be trimmed